A 235 Van Buren commute, via water taxi to Michigan Ave

by sponsored post on 5/23/13

The award-winning Ralph Johnson-designed condominium tower at 235 Van Buren in Chicago’s Loop is transit-oriented development at its best. A CTA Brown and Purple Line station is just around the corner, Union and Ogilvie stations and the CTA’s Red Line are a few blocks away, and 235 has some of the best expressway access in Chicago.

The most fun commute from 235 Van Buren is on the Chicago River, via water taxi from Adams Street (two short blocks north of 235) to Michigan Avenue’s Mag Mile or to Navy Pier, for work or for shopping, dining and entertainment. It’s reliably less than 10 minutes from point to point, with great scenery along the way. Another water taxi route takes you north from Madison Street to River North or south to Chinatown, and an extension of the water taxi routes to North Ave was just announced.

From having interviewed a number of the buyers I can tell you that their “selling points” differ. Architecture, the overall aesthetic and the views attracted some people. For most, the price point and low assessments due to low amenities counted heavily.

Proximity to the El, Union Station and the Expressway were important to other buyers. So, yes, there are residents at 235 whose commute isn’t pedestrian.

The water taxi is a great way to get to Michigan Ave, Navy Pier and Chinatown for shopping, dining and events rather than just for a work-related commute. It’s fun and it’s a cheap and predictable ride.